The Future of Columbia is almost here!
This year, our community saw the culmination of an unprecedented five years and millions of dollars in comprehensive studies, expert counsel, and general consensus. In November, Howard County and Columbia residents turned out at the County Council hearing in overwhelming 2 to 1 support of the plan to redevelop Downtown.
- November testimony before the County Council went from the scheduled one day to stretch over three more nights as 89 speakers of all ages and all walks of life packed into the Board of Education building.
- Fifty-nine spoke in favor of the plan, 25 against, and 5 were neutral.
Over the past six weeks, the County Council has worked diligently through a wide range of topics in a series of public work sessions. Here’s some of what was achieved:
Traffic:
To mitigate the impact on traffic of a growing, dynamic Downtown, the Council focused on steering outside traffic to bypass the densest areas. Minimizing congestion by making Downtown pedestrian-friendly, bike-friendly, and transit-oriented also remains a priority.
Financial issues:
The Council made it clear that rights and obligations flow with the land and thus our community, not with the developer. The language in the plan is carefully crafted to protect the interests of our citizens.
Public safety:
There has been great concern about the deterioration of the village centers. The benefits of a vibrant, integrated, and growing Downtown will flow outwards and help stem that tide naturally.
Amenities and open space:
The Council remains committed to Jim Rouse’s vision of a connected, walkable, diverse, and environmentally-friendly Downtown. Progress cotinues to be made on securing the future of Merriweather – making it connected and accessible, and capturing its fullest potential.
New information did emerge on a couple of issues, with good news on both fronts:
Another School:
The school board agrees that another school will not be needed for another 20 years. Meanwhile, existing schools are not full to capacity. It looks like this is an issue that won’t have to be seriously addressed for quite some time.
Affordable Housing:
As for affordable housing, the developer has planned for 15% - the highest standard in Howard County. What more can we ask? We are not willing to trade off other amenities to support affordable housing at a percentage higher than the highest standard in the County.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The final vote by the County Council was February 1, 2010. The plan passed as it is, in its final form.
No delay. No dilution.
